A convicted serial killer whose resentencing is expected to begin in November will undergo brain scans before then.

Earlier this month, Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Patrick Dinkelacker granted a request by Anthony Kirkland’s attorneys for images of his brain, including MRI and PET scans.

The reasons are not yet clear, although his attorneys, Norm Aubin and Perry Ancona, will argue that the death penalty should not be imposed.

Last month, Aubin and Ancona said they'd recently found reports by two experts that contained "information helpful to the defense that requires further investigation." The reports were in one of 26 boxes of documents they'd received as part of the case.

A hearing surrounding the tests is set for Oct. 5.

Kirkland, 48, was in Dinkelacker's courtroom Thursday as his attorneys argued several motions. A psychologist was scheduled to interview Kirkland after the hearing at the Hamilton County jail, where he was being held temporarily.

Kirkland is serving two life sentences at the Chillicothe Correctional Institution. He was sentenced to death in 2010, but last year the Ohio Supreme Court ordered a new mitigation and sentencing hearing.

In all, Kirkland has been convicted of killing five women and girls and burning their bodies.

Kirkland was found guilty in 2010 of killing Casonya "Sharee" Crawford, 14, and Esme Kenney, 13. Before the trial began, he pleaded guilty in the deaths of Kimya Rolison, 25, and Mary Jo Newton, 45.

Those killings happened between 2006 and 2009. He also killed a woman in 1987 – for spurning his sexual advances, prosecutors said. He pleaded guilty and served 16 years in prison.

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Esme Kenney(Photo: Enquirer file)

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Casonya "Sharee" Crawford(Photo: Enquirer file)

Also Thursday, Dinkelacker approved a request by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office to place a "stun cuff" around Kirkland's ankle during the resentencing.

The device works like a remotely operated taser, Deputy Emily Rose testified. It would be used to control him, if necessary.

Any time Kirkland leaves his cell at the jail, Rose said, shackles are used and two guards escort him.

Dinkelacker said "it's common sense to believe Mr. Kirkland could pose a danger to" deputies, attorneys, jurors and the public.

A jury will be selected for the resentencing, which is set to begin Nov. 9. Dinkelacker will ultimately decide whether to impose a death sentence.

Anthony Kirkland was sentenced to death for the murders of Esme Kenney, center, and “Sharee” Crawford.(Photo: Provided, Photos provided)